Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1887-01-28
The RronI,. Lihrnr,.

We think there can be no doubt that the |
exercises on Tuesday evening dedicating
the gift of Mr. Brooks to its use as a library .
building for the people of Brattleboro were
of such IA character as brought sense OF
personal satisfaction to every man and wo-
man who helped make up the audience that
crowded the hall We think this was the
case because Of tn mnent degree of fit
ness propriety and dignity which marked
all the proceedings To this general effect
Mr.. Harris contributed much by the excel
lent way in which ne presided His open
ing remarks were admirable in spirit and
expression, and showed full appreciation of
the peculiar circumstances under which the
exercises were held-an appreciation, we
may rightly believe, which was not less real
and touching because of the close relations of
personal friendship which Mr.. Harris held
TO Mr.. Brooks from boyhood up. Equally
in sympathy with the spirit of the occasion
were the remarks Of Mr.. Tyler and DR..
Holton. A subdued minor note ran through
all the proceedings in contrast well marked,
but not obtrusively so, with the spirit of
unchecked rejoicing which all would have
felt had not the hand of death snatched
away the man whose benefcent act created
the occasion 1t was evident that all who
took part felt that it was not a time which
called for the obtrusion of their own per
sonality but that each was rather an instru-
ment simply chosen to perform certain
acts as between one who could no longer
speak for himself and those, his fellow
townsmen who remained Not many com
munities have ever had message which
came to them 50 like message from the
dead in very truth as did the words of Mr.
Brooks as read by Mr. Harris on this occa-
sion
The Grafton by Dr. Chamberlain was such
rare and scholarly production, and of such
merit as a piece of finished writing, as few
communities like that of Brattleboro ever
have the pleasure of listening to, In say
ing this we speak entirely within bounds,
and in proof of the fact we have only to
ask "A careful reading of the Grafton as it
appears on our first page to-day. Its local
illusions are rarely fehcitous, and these al
lusions form natural and fitting introduc-
Chamberlain shows what a revolution the
forty years covering the life of this genera
ton have wrought in the life and thought
of New England how the rule of the indi-
vidual has waned and passed away and how
in its place we have the rule of the many
Of the people as u mass. Ii is no longer the
individual and his strong personality, but
81.
lem Of to-day is as to how we shall Undue
these institutions with life and directing
force of the right kind Mr. Brooks realiz
ed the requirement of the new order of
things when with munihcent liberality" he
gave Brattleboro IAN institution which con
meets itself with its churches and schools
and which wisely administered will he a
power for civilization scarcely less infuen-
tial than either The giver has done his
part it remains for our people to do theirs
as well, if haply they may. Such, in brief,
was the central thought Of Mr., Chamber
lains address, and it was helpful, sugges-
tive inspiring throughout.
The completion and dedication of Mr..
Brooks's gift marks new era in the history
hllA AAlt hl ID aAAlt'hllh IltnttlOIln III a
way which is indehnable, but which is none
the less real, the town and its people will
have new character and seeming new
spirit and influence will be at work in our
midst The new building will give our
community such standing as centre OF
literary and educational influence as it ma,
not had before Mr. Brooks saw clearly
h.. aRFa g - 1
as a directing force upon the minds of tn,
young, and this thought of his finds grace
full and forcible expression in the message
already alluded 70. Because he saw what
this influence would below it would b,
an especial blessing to the poor and thos,
IN moderate circumstances"-he asked OF
his fellow citizens that it should recsiv,
fostering care and generous financial back
ing
Once more the old words come back witt
redoubled force. He who, being dead, We
speaketh, has done his part II the town
Is wise with true wisdom il its people
realize, we believe they do and will. VIVA
is not less their privilege than their duty
they will indeed give the library generou
anu 'Huioi eHl'l"iA tliN year anu ever.
wear. No matter If generous endowment
come Ia IT, as is earnestly TO he hoped Their
may we as a town ought always 70 insis
on giving our support, as a town, 70 the in
stitution We should do 1t as tribute O
gratitude and respect TO the dead "
should do it as an expression Of our apprs
citation of the benefits which the free ihrar
coniers upon us ms a community, and he